A spotlight on cybersecurity | Current calls & upcoming events | ATHENE research centre, jobs for IT specialists, Places of Germany & more ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌  ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
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Newsletter July 2026

Dear reader,  
 
Most of our daily lives takes place in digital spaces. While this brings countless opportunities and conveniences, it also makes us vulnerable. As a result, cybersecurity has become one of the most important research fields of the 21st century – not only for individuals, but also for governments, businesses and societies worldwide.  
 
Recognising this challenge, the German Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR) has identified cybersecurity as one of its key technologies. The ministry supports a wide range of research initiatives, including three major IT security research centres and several funding programmes dedicated to developing innovative solutions for a safer digital future.  
 
Interested in security technologies of tomorrow? In this issue, we take a closer look at cybersecurity research in Germany and highlight opportunities for international researchers who want to contribute to a safer and more resilient digital world. Happy reading!
Icon referring to the monthly spotlight topic
Wherever you see this tag, the post connects to our monthly spotlight topic.

Current calls

Spotlight topic
Apply by: 24 August 2026 
(Future) PhDs: biology, biotechnology, medicine, molecular medicine, chemistry, computer science, data science, engineering, mathematics, physics

Max Delbrück Center International PhD Program

Go to Max Delbrück Center 
Apply by: 1 September 2026 
(Future) PhDs: all disciplines

Doctoral scholarships from the Heinrich Böll Foundation

Go to Heinrich Böll Foundation
Apply by: 15 September 2026 
(Future) Postdocs & Advanced researchers: US researchers from all disciplines

Fulbright Scholar Grants

Go to Fulbright Germany 
Apply by: 30 September 2026 
(Future) Advanced researchers: all disciplines

Tenure Track Professorship programme by the Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft

Go to Wübben Stiftung Wissenschaft 
Spotlight topic
Apply by: 1 October 2026  
(Future) Postdocs: biology, computer science, geosciences, mathematics, neurosciences, physics

Klaus Tschira Boost Fund

Go to Guidance, Skills & Opportunities for Researchers 
Spotlight topic
Apply by: 15 December 2026  
(Future) PhDs: computer and information science

CS@max planck doctoral programme

Go to Max Planck Society
Spotlight topic
Apply by: various deadlines  
(Future) Graduates, PhDs, Postdocs & Advanced researchers: aeronautics, space, transportation, energy, digitalisation, security

DLR-DAAD Research Fellowships Programme

Go to German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)

A spotlight on: cybersecurity

A three-dimensional lock projecting data onto chips.
© iStock/Just_Super
Spotlight topic
WEBSITE
ATHENE – Europe’s powerhouse for applied cybersecurity in the city of science Darmstadt 
 
The digital space is no longer just an add-on; it has become essential for every aspect of our lives. At ATHENE, the National Research Center for Applied Cybersecurity, researchers develop methods and technologies to improve the security of the critical infrastructures our society relies on. To tackle these challenges, Europe’s largest research centre for cybersecurity and privacy brings together leading university and non-university institutions to turn cutting-edge research into practical solutions for current and future cybersecurity threats.  
 
With close links to industry, economy and other national and international institutions, ATHENE is an ideal place for scholars from all over the globe. The centre even has its own Digital Hub, Germany’s leading community for cybersecurity start-ups. Visit the website to explore research opportunities, discover upcoming conferences and learn more about the work at ATHENE.

Groundbreaking research from Germany

Germany is home to some of the world’s leading research institutions. We highlight contributions from a few of them, giving you a closer look at pioneering projects and discoveries. Find more on our website! 
 
🔗 Read more articles on our website.
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Technische Hochschule Ostwestfalen-Lippe (TH OWL)  
Software to support security risk assessments 
 
University of Siegen  
Artificial voices, real threat 
 
Research in Bavaria  
Vehicle cybersecurity. An emergency formula for connected driving 
 
Furtwangen University 
Digital passport for machines 
 
University of Stuttgart  
A new approach to reducing errors in quantum computers  
 
Forschungscampus Mittelhessen  
Cybersecurity experts in the AI era 
 
University Alliance Ruhr  
Building trust in artificial intelligence, machine learning and cybersecurity

A closer look: work in Germany

A woman in a server room with a tablet in her hand.
© iStock/Marco VDM
Spotlight topic
ARTICLE

Wanted: international IT specialists for the German job market

While cybersecurity research is a highly promising field, it is just one of many career paths for IT specialists in Germany. The country’s thriving tech sector offers excellent opportunities for skilled professionals and scholars looking to drive innovation. In 2025 alone, 109,000 IT job positions in Germany remained vacant, with high demand in areas such as IT security and data science – a chance for international researchers to shape the future of German tech. Interested in exploring your options? This article paints a general picture of Germany’s IT job market, gives insights into working in Germany as an IT specialist and provides helpful resources on visas, job searches and the application process.
A person sitting at a desk using a laptop and a tablet with projections of graphs and the letters “AI”.
© iStock/Khanchit Khirisutchalual
ARTICLE

What will the future of work in Germany look like?

How will artificial intelligence change the way we work? What skills will future employees need? And how can organisations create workplaces that are both innovative and people-centred? These are some of the questions addressed by Germany’s research on the future of work. Supported by the Federal Ministry of Research, Technology and Space (BMFTR), researchers across the country are exploring how technological change, demographic shifts and new forms of collaboration are reshaping the workplace in Germany. Discover current research initiatives, regional competence centres and answers to pressing questions on the working world of tomorrow.

The bigger picture: life in Germany

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© shutterstock/Lukasz Miegoc
Spotlight topic
WEBSITE

Ready for holiday? Germany beyond lab and library

Sandy beaches, ancient castles, half-timbered towns and dramatic alpine landscapes: Germany has it all. With so many destinations to choose from, deciding where to go can be tricky. Places of Germany helps you navigate the search for your summer holiday and discover your next adventure. The website showcases remarkable destinations across the country, from historic towns and cultural landmarks to hidden gems off the beaten track. Visit the website to explore more than 900 places, curated routes and tips for your trip travelling around Germany.

In case you missed it

Spotlight topic

Cyberagentur: the future of cybersecurity

What will the future of cybersecurity look like? Germany’s Cyberagentur is seeking answers. The “cyber agency” identifies and funds high-risk, high-reward research projects that could shape the future of cybersecurity and strengthen Germany’s digital sovereignty. Founded and funded by the German government, the agency is investing 109 million euros in research programmes in 2026 alone, with innovations in areas ranging from quantum technology to virtual reality. Find out more about the Cyberagentur on the website!

Navigating German paperwork digitally with the AusweisApp

Setting up life in Germany often means dealing with a lot of official paperwork. The AusweisApp makes that easier: once your eID function is activated, you can use official online services securely, quickly and from home. Whether you need to access government services or complete administrative procedures, the app helps you handle many tasks online instead of going to a public office in person. Visit the website to find out how the AusweisApp works, what you need to get started and which online services you can access with it.

Upcoming events

14.07.  

JUL 2026 · ONLINE

Info event: Humboldt Research Professorship

30.07. 

JUL 2026 · ONLINE

How to become a Professor in Germany

12.08.  

AUG 2026 · ONLINE

Visa for Germany 3.0

Spotlight topic

24. – 27.08.  

AUG 2026 · LINKÖPING / SWEDEN

International Conference on Availability, Reliability and Security (ARES)

Spotlight topic

26. – 28.08.  

AUG 2026 · OTTAWA / CANADA

23rd Annual International Conference on Privacy, Security, and Trust (PST2026)

19.09.  

SEPT 2026 · FRANKFURT AM MAIN / GERMANY

Science Festival Frankfurt

 
Let’s stay in touch

Get updates about research career options and funding opportunities in Germany, the latest research news, interesting research projects and upcoming events.
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